Featuring Weiss, Scharlachrot, Heart, Saki, Maori, Kamui, Petra
It is winter time in Japan and various festivals are in full swing. Another festivals is taking place. Ryoko has just came back from her first full-time season racing in America. For the past 5 years Ryoko has worked very hard too into the top racing series in America. Ryoko had been racing in Japan since she was 17. She resigned with her team after 3 years. At 20 she was still racing in Japan but had the opportunity of a life time, 5 races for a team in the same sanctioning body that she wishes too some day get too. Her 5 races in the 3rd tier series. Her first race was at a short track. After a rough start she finished 7th. Her 2nd race was at an oval of 1.5 miles in length, she ended up crashing out halfway through. Her 3rd race was at a road course, being her forte in all she lead her first laps. But a strategy play lead too her finishing 10th. Her 4th race was at the same track for her 1st start. On that day, Ryoko would go on too achieve her life long dream of winning a race and at a track for which has wanted too win at since she was little. After an emotional victory lane interview and other stuff she needed too get done she contacted everyone back in Japan (who saw her win). Ryoko spend the final few days talking with them before her last race. In her 5th and final race Ryoko was a big 2.66 D-oval that is very fast, so fast they have too put on power restricted too control speeds but it led too big clusters of vehicles close too together. The whole race Ryoko basically wanted too survive and she did, finishing 12th. By the end of her racing season in Japan Ryoko would win her series championship. At 21 she decides too split her time between Japan, America and Europe racing. Not full time in either but out of 20 races in Japan she'll race 10, in America in the 3rd tier out of 25 race she'll race in 13, plus Ryoko will do 2 endurance races in Europe (checking off some bucket list races) and as well racing in the 2nd tier series with out of 32 races she'll race 5 (doing some double duty with the 3rd tier when those series race at the same track.) During the year Ryoko modest success, in Japan she'd win 2 races and finish on the podium 4 times. In Europe her team would finish each race but not on the podium. In America, in the 3rd tier she'd finish top 10 five times, finish top 5 two times and win a pole. In the 2nd tier she wouldn't finish top 10 or top 5 but her average finish was 16th. At 22 Ryoko would get a full-time ride in the 3rd tier plus race half the 2rd tier races (her team was in both). In the 3rd tier Ryoko would win 3 times but struggled with consistency, finishing 15th in points at seasons end. In the 2nd tier Ryoko had consistency but a lack of speed. She'd have 12 top 10 finishes but no top 5 finishes. At 23 Ryoko was full-time in the 3rd and 2nd tier. Her 3rd tier season was superb, 4 wins, 12 top 5 finishes and 14 top 10 finishes with a 4th place points finish at seasons end. In the 2nd tier she'd win 2 races but still had a lack of speed with only 3 top 5 finishes and 10 top 10 finishes and a 12 place points finish at seasons end. Now at 24 Ryoko was full-time in the 1st tier, the big time. A place Ryoko had always dreamed of racing in. A series with big moments, big money and big risks involved. Ryoko would also dip into the 2nd and 3rd tier series but most of her focus would be on the 1st tier.
In race 1 her goal was just too finish. With the same racing style that Ryoko had grown accustom too, she'd finish 20th.
In race 2 the track was unique but Ryoko had raced there before. But struggled with the handling of her car all week. She'd finish 29th.
In race 3, Ryoko had limited experience at the track and it showed. Her finish was 26th.
In the 4th race, the track was a 1.5 mile D-oval. But with a worn out track surface, Ryoko shined. Winning the pole and leading the first 15 laps of the race. However fell through the field and never recovered, finishing 18th.
The 5th race a 2 mile D-oval with a worn out track surface. Ryoko was steady all week, finishing 15th.
Race 6 was a short track. Here Ryoko ran well all week and finished 10th.
Race 7 was a 1.5 mile D-oval. She qualified well but crashed out, finishing 35th.
Race 8 was a half-mile high banked short track. Ryoko never liked the place other times she raced there before. Raced through a tough week too finish 22nd.
Race 9 was a .75 mile short track. Ryoko qualified in the back and finished mid-pack. She finished 20th.
Race 10 was again at a track that required power restrictions. Ryoko would lead a few laps but would finish the race in the garage area after mechanical trouble. Finished 39th.
Race 11 was at a track that had been just repaved. With little passing, Ryoko would finish 25th.
Race 12 was a high banked 1 mile track. Ryoko had done well here in the other tiers when she raced. Ryoko would finish 12th.
Race 13 was held on Memorial Day. Her father was in the US Military and it was a special too day too remember him. The race was 600 miles long. After early trouble Ryoko bounced back too a respectable 15th place finish.
Race 14 was a very unique 2.5 triangle shaped track with 3 different corners. Ryoko had only raced here twice before. Ryoko started in the back after a poor qualifying effort but the race was called right after halfway due too rain. She finished 19th.
Race 15 toke place at a another high speed 2 mile oval. Ryoko showed speed in qualifying, placing 5th but her race was terrible. She finished 27th
Race 16 Toke place at the first road course of the season. Picked as a dark horse by the media, Ryoko qualified up front and ran there all race. She finished 7th.
Race 17 toke place at a track that had just been re-paved and re-configured. Ryoko crashed in qualifying and during the race. She would finish in 40th.
Race 18 was on a flat 1 mile track. Having ran well here in the past in the other tiers she had confidence all week. Ryoko would finish 11th.
Race 19 would take place at a very famous 2.5 mile rectangular oval with a lot of history. Ryoko would qualify up front and stay for the whole race. With 30 laps too go after a restart, Ryoko found herself behind the leader. For 20 straight laps she stalked the leader until a mistake was made. She toke advantage and lead rest of the way for her first win. The win was very special, not only was her mother there but so where Heart, Saki, Maori, Weiss and Scharlachrot. She bought them tickets and had them flown there. She got too enjoy it with all of them.
Race 20 would take place back at the same track as race 14. Ryoko did much better, finishing in 11th place.
Race 21 would be at the final road course race of the season. Ryoko would qualify up front and would lead 30 laps and win her 2nd race of the season.
Race 22 would revisit the same track as race 18. Had a mediocre week but finished 17th.
Race 23 would revisit the same track as race 8. The second time around was much better but the race was called halfway do too weather. Ryoko finished 14th.
Race 24 Toke place at the same track as race 15. Qualified bad but finished in 13th.
Race 25 was a test. Tier 1 cars were different from Tier 2 cars. Different aerodynamics and such. With a narrow groove and a vast penalty for getting it wrong, Ryoko had a hard time during practice sessions but when it came too race day she did very well, finishing in 6th.
Race 26 was at the same track as race 9. All week Ryoko was steady but got caught up in someone else mistake. Finished 35th.
Race 27 was at another 1.5 D-oval. With the worn out track surface and groove from top too bottom, Ryoko held steady all race finishing a quiet 11th.
Race 28 is another visit from race 18. Doing slightly better, Ryoko finished 9th.
Race 29 revisited the 1 mile high banked oval. Ryoko would win the pole and lead 20 laps but finish back in 20th due too poor strategy.
Race 30 This race would have 100 less miles then the previous race. Ryoko would finish 25th after spinning twice.
Race 31 With different track conditions and well other drivers spinning/crashing out, Ryoko simply survived and finished 16th.
Race 32 Was the last race with power restrictions. From the drop of the green flag the racing was intense. Ryoko would drop back and almost lose the lead pack. But at the end of the race Ryoko was up front battling for the win. Ended up making her move too late and finished 3rd.
Race 33 was the final short track race of the season. Having survived all race Ryoko was battling up front but with wearing her tires out and people pitting behind her, Ryoko finished 15th.
Race 34 was the final D-shape oval of the year. Wanting a better result then last time Ryoko brought a new set up for the race. After working out the bugs in practice and qualifying mid-pack, Ryoko toke all race too get up too the top 10 but was denied by the race ending under caution. She finished 11th.
Race 35 is the second too last race of the season. Ryokos team again brings a new set up for her too use. They find speed in practice. Do not qualify well but like last race worked her way through the field and finished 12th.
Race 36 is the season finale. A champion will crowned and their will be one more winner. Ryoko wouldn't be crowned champion but she had one more shot at a win. Through the day too night change and changing track conditions, Ryoko stayed up front. By races end she was among 3 others fighting it out. Ryoko drove hard and clean but didn't win. She finished a hard fought 3rd. Her season was full of disappointments but also bright spots. She considers it a learning experience. With 2 wins, 4 top 5s and 6 top 10s and a 20th place points finish, Ryoko would win Rookie of the Year honors.
While Ryokos life and career have changed so have her friends..... in a matter of speaking. Heart is still Heart. Heart hit a growth spurt and is now taller then Ryoko but her personality is still pretty much the same. Saki has opened up over the last 5 years, Fiona becoming human again helped that out greatly and she isn't as hard on Heart when she messes up. Maori is still Maori, her and Ryoko practically sisters. Kamui was asleep for a time but just recently woke up too help protect the world while Ryoko was away but got too see her finish her season. Weiss has stopped calling people "commander" and isn't so formal. Weiss also acts more human and has much more social and world experience. Scharlachrot too has lighten up and doesn't get upset so easily (though Clarice still does annoy her). Petra is still serious but has learned too relax and take it easy. Everyone is at Cafe Aino celebrating.
Heart: Ry-Ry!!! Have one of my deserts. Hurry before your mom eats them all!!!
Ryoko: *laughs* Okay Heart. I'll try one.
*Ryoko tries too grab one but her mother takes it and runs off too the next one*
Heart: *upset* Your mother is eating everything!!!!!
Ryoko: Oh relax Heart. My mother is a sucker for sweets.
Heart: *sad* I mean I'm happy someone likes my food but i just she save some for you and everyone else.
Ryoko: My mother will never learn her lesson.
*Heart and Ryoko walk over too Weiss and Scharlachrot, whom are looking over Ryokos trophies from her race wins.*
Schar: What a silly idea, putting a brick on the top of this thing.
Ryoko: They call it "the brickyard" for a reason.
Weiss: I have done my research, the track is over 100 years old and is considered "greatest specitcal in auto racing." Too win their means a great deal.
Schar: You had a grin on your face when you won.
Ryoko: Legendary people have won their, I'm just glad too put on my name next too theirs.
Schar: I feel you'll accomplish much more and with those whom you call "Legendary."
Weiss: Ryoko is already someone i look up too.
Heart: *happy* Yep! Ry-Ry is someone i admire.
*Ryoko blushes*
Weiss: We are killing her with kindness.
Schar: *teasing* Can't take a compliment without getting embarrassed?
Ryoko: Would you like that brick shoved up your ass?
Schar: *laughs* Testy, testy.
Heart: Ry-Ry your still blushing.
*Ryoko leaves them too cool off (and not being so embarrassed) and go visits Saki and Maori*
Saki: Oh Ry..... what is up with you?
*Ryoko grunts*
*Maori notices Heart, Weiss and Scharlachrot giggling*
Maori: I take it they embarrassed you.
Ryoko: Your right.... *sigh*
Saki: Not going too happen here. We are here too celebrate your accomplishments not too embarrass you.
Maori: Well..... all of us do look up too you. Even Kamui does.
Ryoko: At least your better at saying something like that Maori.
Maori: Well.... I'm modest but also honest. And my delivery is different.
Ryoko: Maybe that is why we get along so well.
Saki: You helped me get great at cooking. Heart did too but you'll helped me too.
Ryoko: Heart is a good teacher but sometimes a change is needed.
*Heart, Weiss and Schlachrot are still giggling*
Ryoko: I'll get them back.
*Ryoko walks over too them*
Schar: Oh back for more?
Ryoko: You guys do realize your first kiss was a brick right?
Everyone: Huh?
Ryoko: Yeah, a oil covered, dusty, tire marked, over 100 year old brick.
Heart: *sad* Ry-Ry that is mean...
Schar: *grunt*
Weiss: She...... is indeed correct in this matter.
Ryoko: So who is embarrassed now? My first kiss was about 10 years ago. Yours was a brick. Not a human being.
Heart: *upset* your so mean Ry-Ry!!!
Schar: *crazy* Oh you must want a fight now right!?
Weiss: *embarrassed*
*Ryoko grabs her trophy and leaves them standing there*
Schar: *crazy* I'm so going too get her!!!
Heart: *sad* We have been had Sharlie.
Weiss: Heart is right Scharlachrot.
Schar: *innocent* Yeah.... your right.......
Heart: *sad* Ry-Ry still could have softened the blow a bit and not be so blunt.
*Ryoko walks over too Petra and Kamui and sets her trophy on the table*
Ryoko: Miss Petra..... Miss Kamui.
Petra: Miss Ryoko..... congratulations on your accomplishments.
Ryoko: Well..... thank you.
Kamui: Indeed. For someone so young. I can not say the same.
Ryoko: Oh Miss Kamui....... (I've already been through this). I know you look up too me. But i really couldn't have done it with out you guys. When ever i was down, you guys were there too pick me up.
Kamui: What friends are for.
Petra: I may not have been there but i watch you as much as my time would allow me. Your profession is indeed interesting, despite my ignorance of your profession. You love what you do and you are successful at it. You even remain disaplained under extreme circumstances.
Ryoko: Well..... it is never easy. But thank you for your words Miss Petra.
*Ryoko hangs around with Petra and Kamui, mean while her mother is still eating all the desserts, having had enough Heart confronts her mother and an argument ensues. Ryoko has too separate them but both her mother and Heart are acting childish about it. However Ryoko mother has too make a bee-line for the restroom too empty her stomach of its contents. While her mother does so, Ryoko prepares too make everyone dinner. They object but Ryokos cooking skills have improved over the last 5 years, even simple dishes are vastly improved. Ryoko decides too make everyone (minus her mother) hamburgers. With a variety of seasons, marinades, buns and toppings everyone can pick how ever they want their burger made. Heart wants it the "American way" with everything, Saki wants a burger with Japanese flare, Maori gets a fish burger, Weiss gets a cheddar bacon burger with super spicy mayo (made with ghost peppers), Scharlachrot gets a mushroom Swiss burger, Kamui gets a triple meat burger (meat, ham and pepperoni) and Petra get a simple burger with just ketchup, mustard and mayo.*
Ryoko: I hope everyone enjoys.
*Heart says nothing as she shoves in the burger into her face hole*
Saki: Masterful.
Maori: Wonderful.
Schar: I'll never beat you at this Ryoko.
Weiss: Impossible...... *the spicy mayo takes hold*
Kamui: Such balance of textures and flavors.
Petra: Hm....... very good.
Saki: You've been teaching me for some time but i could never have made this. Your talent with cooking is unmatched.
Heart: ITF REAY GOD!!! (it's really good)
Ryoko: (and there goes Hearts manners *sigh* She'll never change..... i hope she never does)
Maori: If i ate more of your food, I'd gain weight. But....... i really wouldn't care. *smile*
Ryoko: I'd be training with you daily. (Maori is the sister I've never had. I wouldn't mind hanging out with her everyday.)
Saki: You must teach me this dish.
Ryoko: Your on. (Saki has opened up so much over the years. I may not have been there when Fiona became human again but Heart told me Sakis happiness couldn't be put into words. I'm glad she has became what Heart has told me about her in the past.)
Weiss: *with steam emitting from her ears* It's a bit spicy *cough* but very good.
Ryoko: (Weiss still has that iron gut. At least she doesn't call me "commander" anymore. The Institute no longer exists, she is free. Although i can tell she still feels the pain of the things she has done in the past. I'll be there for you Weiss.)
Schar: Don't pass out Sophie, it isn't polite at the dinner table. hehehe. You taught me how too make this food but i must admit.... you are better then me.
Ryoko: You'll equal me one day Schar but never surpass me. (She is being honest. Well damn. At least we STILL both agree Clarice needs her face rearranged.)
Kamui: You could do whatever you want with any ingredient put in front of you. Food is your brush and the results are the painting.
Ryoko: (Never heard it put that way before. Kamui is much older then me but she holds so much knowledge of things, some of which she will not tell even me. I feel bad for her when she is sleeping but..... i'm happy when she is around.) Thank you Millienial Guardian.
Petra: Your skill with cooking is matched by your skill with driving is seems. You do both very well.
Ryoko: (Hold me someone, Petra praised me. I don't know what too do with myself. Petra has immense responsibilities and they weigh on her. A part of me wishes i could help her but she manages too pull it off more times then not.) Thank you Miss Petra.
*By this time Ryokos mother emerges from the restroom, her emptying her stomach didn't take long but the clean up did.... made a bit of a mess. The restroom is cleaner then when she first entered. Heart apologizes for her actions. Ryoko mother too apologizes. Ryoko makes her mother some ramen too ease her upset stomach. Everyone enjoys their expertly made meals, there would be dessert if Ryokos mother didn't eat them all. But everyone is too full from dinner too eat anything else.*
Kamui: You should seriously open your own resturant.
Petra: I agree.
Ryoko: Maybe once i'm done driving for a living okay?
Saki: How long do you plan on doing that?
Ryoko: Well..... maybe another 10 years.
Maori: You'll only be into your 30s. Why so early?
Ryoko: I've been driving since i was 8. There are other things i wish too do. Which would include maybe owning a resturant.
Saki: Whatever you decide too do, we'll be there for you.
Ryoko: *smile* What about you Heart-Heart?
*Heart is too busy sleeping in Heart-Heart land, which features everything pink with ponies, bunnies and hamburgers. Heart is sleeping so hard she is drewling*
Petra: I've never understood how she does that.
Saki: You get used too it.
Ryoko: Weiss?
Schar: Sophie is unable too speak right now. That spicy stuff did a number on her throat. *Weiss is sipping on milk*
Ryoko: She wanted it hot.
Schar: She as a high pain tolerence and she doesn't like too complain. If she could speak she'd would agree with the old hag and Petra.
Maori: You'd would succeed Ryoko. We would be our first customors. *smile*
Ryoko: You guys really think i should?
*Everyone nods minus Heart. Her mother openly encourages her too as well.*
Ryoko: Okay......... i'll look into. But y'all had better show up for the grand opening!
Everyone-Heart: We will.
*Everyone enjoys the rest of the evening. Everyone gives their fondest memories of her season and they all take pictures together (minus Heart who is still in a coma). Heart eventually wakes up from her slumber. Before everyone heads home Ryoko has a poem for them too hear.*
"Do not stand on my grave and weep.
I am at the track, i do not sleep.
I am every engines starting sound
I am in the rush and thrill of the crowd
I am the flash of cars racing by
In the checkered flag and victors cry
When you are deep in the pit at night
I am the dust and lights shining bright
When you think of me i am right here
Every lap and green flag we share
Do not stand on my grave and cry
I am at the track. I do not die."
Ryoko: Please, whatever may happen too me. Do not be sad if it does. My job has dangers that i'm fully aware of and except. Much like your jobs. I maybe snuffed out just like that. But i can't focus on that and neither should you. Worry will not prevent it from happening.
Maori: We will still pray for you. *gives Ryoko a sisterly hug*
Ryoko: *returns gesture* Your family always has. Your my adapted family.
Schar: You've done so much too help me and Sophie. Gone out of your way. You never pushed us, you let us find out on our own but guided us lightly. Thank you.
Ryoko: For what you too have been through, you deserve some normalsy. I'll be there for both of you.
*They shake hands*
Saki: I must be honest, i know when we first met you were trying too help me open up but didn't want too. But when Fiona became human again i went too you for help. You've done more for me then i thought possible. You even trained with me. Thank you so much.
Ryoko: You don't have too thank me Saki. I could see you where in pain, i had too mix my concern with your privacy. *they share a hug*
Kamui: In all my years i have met few as amazing as you. Your strength, insight and honesty is something few have. I'm honored too be your friend.
Ryoko: I too am honored too know you Millienial Guardian. And thank you for your words. *they shake hands*
Petra: Your displain is something i've always admired. Your calm and cool but take action when needed. I too must thank you for helping Weiss and Scharlachrot. You've taken over when i couldn't. It has been a pleasure getting too know you.
Ryoko: Maybe one day i'll take you around a track.
Petra: *unsure* Eh..... i'll pass.
Ryoko: *teasing* Want too remain ignorant forever?
Petra: No. But....
Ryoko: *teasing* You scared?
Petra: *mad* A Lagerkvist is not scared of anything!
Ryoko: Then shake my hand on it.
Petra: Fine.
*Petra gives a firm hand shake*
Heart: Ry-Ry...... your someone that i look up too. You've taught me different foods, taught me different things about how too live life. Food and life are full variety, too be explored. I have people whom i keep close and love them very much. Your are part of that. Ry-Ry..... please do your best.
Ryoko: (Heart.... has her ways about her. But she is always honest with her feelings for others.)
*Heart and Ryoko share a big hug*
Ryoko: Come on mom, lets go home. You have a flight in the morning.
*Ryoko and her mother take their leave from Cafe Aino. In the morning Ryoko catches her flight back too the States. Ryokos in Japan until late January when she has too get back too the State for pre-season testing and her season starts in Febuary. She will not see everyone again in person until November.*
No comments:
Post a Comment